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Immigration Resources

Recent changes in federal immigration policy have created uncertainty throughout the Virginia Tech community. We recognize that these developments may impact international students, scholars, faculty, and staff across the university.

International students and scholars have long been a vital part of Virginia Tech, enriching our academic community with diverse perspectives, talent, and innovation. The university is committed to supporting those who may be affected. We will continue to provide clear, timely information and guidance to help our community navigate evolving federal policies in compliance with the law. University resources and support services are listed below.

Last updated: Dec. 5, 2025

State Department to begin enhanced vetting for H-1B and H-4 visas

On Dec. 3, 2025, the Department of State announced that enhanced social media vetting procedures previously applied to F, M, and J visa applicants will be expanded to include H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. This change will take effect Dec. 15, 2025.

The department’s announcement can be found here: Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and Dependent H-4 Visa Applicants.

This enhanced screening applies only to employees traveling outside the United States who will be applying for a new H-1B visa in their passport (or an H-4 visa for spouses and children).

New social media requirements

Similar to F, M, and J applicants, individuals applying for H-1B and H-4 visas will now be required to:

  • Adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public” during the visa adjudication period.
  • Follow instructions sent by the consular post — typically via email — either before or after the visa interview.

The Department of State has stated that this enhanced screening is part of broader national security measures that allow consular officers to review publicly available online information.

Impact on consular processing of H-1B/H-4 visa applications

Applicants should expect:

  • Email instructions from the embassy or consulate requiring a temporary change in social media privacy settings.
  • A vetting process that typically takes several days to complete before a visa can be issued.
  • Potential delays in appointment availability based on consular workload and country-specific requirements.

If derogatory information is identified, consular officers may refuse the visa application, request a follow-up interview, or begin additional review.

What should H-1B/H-4 applicants do?

To prepare for increased vetting during visa processing, applicants should consider the following steps:

  • Bring the following documents in addition to those listed on the Department of State website (Temporary Worker Visas):
    • Updated resume or CV
    • List of publications (if applicable)
    • Research plan (if applicable)
    • A copy of your principal investigator’s CV and publication list if you are in a postdoctoral research position
    • Criminal documents (if indicated in the DS-160 visa application)
    • Marriage or birth certificates (if applying for an H-4 visa)
    • Copies of family members’ visas (if applying for an H-4 visa)
  • Ensure the information you provide at the visa interview is consistent with the information in your DS-160 application. You may print a copy of the completed DS-160 to help you prepare, but do not read directly from it during the interview.
  • If your job responsibilities include research, be prepared to answer questions about the research you will conduct at Virginia Tech and how your past experience qualifies you for the work.
  • Provide access to all social media accounts. The State Department has noted it is looking for:
    • Content advocating support for a designated foreign terrorist organization
    • Evidence of intent to engage in illegal activities in the United States
    • Proof of hostile attitudes toward U.S. citizens, the U.S. government, or U.S. culture
    • Evidence an applicant was responsible for or complicit in censorship or attempted censorship of protected expression in the United States

Preparing for these new procedures

All H-1B/H-4 applicants should:

  • Allow extra processing time. We recommend budgeting at least one additional week — or more for high-volume posts, including most consulates in India — for F, M, J, H-1B, and H-4 visa stamping.
  • Monitor the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they intend to apply for updates and appointment information.
  • Check email regularly for instructions or requests for additional documentation before and after the interview.
  • Ensure social media accounts are accessible as required once consular instructions are received.

If you have any questions, please contact Global Strategic Services prior to your scheduled departure. 

Previous advisories

A presidential proclamation issued Sept. 19 announced a new $100,000 fee for certain individuals seeking to enter the United States in H-1B status.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has since clarified that the fee applies only to new petitions for individuals outside the U.S. who will apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate.

The fee does not apply to:

  • Petitions filed before Sept. 21, 2025
  • H-1B extensions or amendments for current employees
  • Petitions for individuals already in the U.S. requesting a change of status or employer

Government shutdown impacts

Although USCIS remains open, the U.S. Department of Labor is partially closed. This prevents approval of required Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), which means some H-1B petitions cannot yet be filed.

Virginia Tech Global Strategic Services continues to process cases with approved LCAs and will file others as soon as the government reopens.

Stay informed

Virginia Tech and GSS will provide updates as new information becomes available. Questions about individual cases may be directed to vtgss@vt.edu.

On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced a significant rollback of its interview waiver policy for visa applicants at U.S. consulates. Currently, many individuals renewing an existing or recently expired visa may qualify for an expedited process that does not require an in-person interview. However, effective Sept. 2, 2025, interview waivers will be eliminated for the vast majority of visa categories.

What’s changing

  • In-person interviews will be required for most visa categories — including E-3, F-1, H-1B, J-1, O-1, and TN and all others not listed below. 
  • Applicants under the age of 14 or over 79 will also be required to complete in-person interviews.
  • Interview waivers will no longer be available, even for renewals or repeat applicants with prior visa approvals.

What remains

  • Interview waivers will still be available for individuals renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.
  • Waivers also remain in place for diplomatic or official visa categories, including A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
  • Consular officers may still require an in-person interview at their discretion, regardless of category.

Practical implications

  • Expect longer appointment wait times and processing delays, particularly at high-volume consulates.
  • In-person interviews will once again become the norm, even for applicants with a clean visa history.
  • Applicants should check the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate for post-specific instructions and procedures.

For questions, contact Virginia Tech Global Strategic Services at vtgss@vt.edu.

On June 9, 2025, a new Presidential Proclamation took effect, instituting a travel ban for nationals from 19 countries. The policy restricts both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel to the United States, with varying degrees of limitation depending on the country.

The proclamation:

  • Fully restricts entry of nonimmigrants and immigrants from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
  • Partially restricts entry of nonimmigrants and immigrants from seven countries:  Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. For these counties, individuals on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas are subject to restrictions.

Exceptions to the travel ban include:

  • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
  • Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a nonrestricted country
  • Asylees and refugees
  • Holders of diplomatic or international organization visas

The ban applies only to individuals who were outside of the United States as of June 9, 2025, and who did not have a valid U.S. visa on that date. Therefore, it does not directly impact individuals currently in the U.S. with valid, unexpired visas.

However, based on prior experience during the first Trump administration, there is concern that individuals from restricted countries could still be denied re-entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, even if they hold valid visas. For this reason, Virginia Tech’s Global Strategic Services (GSS) recommends that nationals of the affected countries avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary.

Domestic travel within the U.S. is not affected.

GSS encourages all foreign nationals to carry their passport while traveling within the U.S., even if they have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license. GSS also recommends carrying supporting documentation such as an I-797 approval notice, DS-2019, I-20, or similar evidence of legal status.

Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students from countries included in the proclamation should have received an email with additional guidance from the appropriate office:

If you have not received this information or have further questions, please reach out to the relevant office.

The Cranwell International Center is maintaining a central webpage for communicating key updates on policy changes that may affect international students.

University messages

Frequently asked questions

We know that many members of the Virginia Tech community are concerned about immigration issues. This page provides answers to a number of the most frequent questions we have received. We will update this guidance as warranted.

NOTE: The following general information is not a substitute for legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have specific legal questions about your particular situation.

The Cranwell International Center is maintaining a webpage that serves as a central hub for communicating key updates on policy changes that may affect international students. Our goal is to keep you updated with timely, accurate information.

Contact the Virginia Tech Police Department at 540-231-6411. Virginia Tech Police will coordinate with university officials to respond appropriately to the request.

The university conducts frequent reviews of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a U.S. government database managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If a visa revocation or other status change occurs, the Cranwell International Center or Global Strategic Services will contact the affected individuals directly by email.

A visa is a travel document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate that allows an individual to travel to a U.S. port of entry. It does not guarantee entry into the United States. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines whether the individual may enter and for how long. 
 
Status, on the other hand, refers to the specific category and conditions under which someone is allowed to stay in the U.S., as recorded on their I-94 form. For students, this means maintaining a full course load and adhering to the rules of their visa classification. An individual may have an expired visa but still be in valid status if they remain in the U.S. and comply with all immigration rules.

Visa revocation means the U.S. government has canceled a previously issued visa, making it invalid for entry or re-entry into the country. 

Status termination (often through termination of an I-20 or DS-2019 form) refers to the loss of a person's legal standing to remain in the U.S. under a specific visa category. This generally requires the individual to leave the country immediately.

Virginia Tech does not make individual travel decisions for students or employees. However, we recommend that members of our international community reconsider all nonessential international travel. 

Individuals traveling under nonimmigrant visa status (F-1, J-1, H-1B) or as lawful permanent residents (green card holders) should consider:

  • Traveling with a clean laptop, tablet, and phone.
  • Backing up sensitive or personal information before departure.
  • Being prepared for possible secondary inspection at U.S. ports of entry, where customs and immigration officials may review social media and electronic communications.

All foreign nationals are encouraged to carry their passport while traveling within the U.S., even if they have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license. Global Strategic Services also recommends carrying supporting documentation such as an I-797 approval notice, DS-2019, I-20, or similar evidence of legal status.

Faculty and staff can best support affected students by referring them to appropriate resources, maintaining their privacy, and being flexible with academic accommodations when possible. Contact the Cranwell International Center for guidance on specific situations. Faculty should not provide immigration advice but can help students connect with campus resources.

Resources

For your immediate questions on:

Visa-related topics for students
Cranwell International Center
international@vt.edu, 540-231-6527

Visa-related topics for faculty/staff
Global Strategic Services
vtgss@vt.edu

AdvantageVT and Intensive English students
Language and Culture Institute
lci-info@vt.edu, 540-231-9814